Have you ever wondered how CATA plans its fixed-route services and chooses the location of bus stops? Generally, it is based on population density: Fixed routes are intended to make catching the bus as easy as possible for the greatest number of travelers.

What happens when leaders from neighboring counties get behind the concept of seamless and convenient rides across boundary lines?

Progress.

What began as an idea to better coordinate public transit services across the Capital City region now has evolved into a historic partnership between CATA, EATRAN and Clinton Area Transit System that results in seamless connections between all three jurisdictions, allowing riders to reach their destinations more quickly and efficiently than ever before.

At the heart of everything CATA does is the mission of meeting the region’s mobility needs by providing innovative solutions. That includes closely assessing its fleet to guarantee that vehicles are not only safe, but that they provide a comfortable and welcoming experience for riders.

A Moment in Time

They say a picture is worth a thousand words and although that may be true, in this case: a picture is worth capturing a moment in time. A snapshot of an everyday task, the 8 a.m. morning commute, has made its way into local history in the form of an oil painting.

CATA’s mission is to meet the mobility needs of our region by providing innovative solutions in partnership with the communities we serve. That’s why CATA is proud to support KCS Angels’ mission to help people with disabilities enjoy safe, therapeutic recreation, physical activity and life skills development in an inclusive environment. In the wake of the COVID-19 Pandemic, programs for adults with disabilities are underfunded and there is a greater need for programs such as the one KCS Angels provides.

For the past 50 years, the Capital Area Transportation Authority has been driving mobility solutions that meet the public transit needs of the Capital City Region.

By Ashten Tucker, Assistant Marketing Manager

Community safety has always been a priority for CATA. Now, thanks to a federal grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation, CATA has partnered with the Lansing Police Department to combat human trafficking. The goal of the campaign is to raise awareness about the growing prevalence of human trafficking in the region and to provide information that can help prevent it.

Michigan ranks in the top 10 of all states for human trafficking, with nearly 300 cases reported in 2021.

Dear Capital City Resident:

January 2022 marked the Capital Area Transportation Authority’s 50-year anniversary. We quietly celebrated our service to the region over the span of five decades. Needless to say, it has been an honor to deliver our much-needed transportation services to our community of riders.

By Andrew Brieschke, Deputy CEO

Imagine a world where everywhere you need or want to get to is only one seat away. In the tri-county region, that world is about to become a reality.

In recent weeks, CATA has been working on preliminary coordination plans with both EATRAN and Clinton Area Transit System. The three agencies have collaborated to provide cross-boundary trips under interlocal agreements. All three systems are now preparing to better meet the needs of their respective riders.

By Andrew Brieschke, Deputy CEO

Ask any K-12 official about the secret to student success, and they’re sure to mention attendance at the top of the list. Throughout the ages, school attendance has relied on various modes of transportation, particularly walking, riding a bicycle, carpooling, driving or riding a school bus.